Song of the Heart - Alexa Aston Page 0,42

troubadour?” Lyssa asked in amazement. “Troubadours have to be men.”

“Not this one,” Madeleine said. “I also help narrate some of the plays. If we’re short-handed, I even play a part now and then, all in costume.”

“I want to hear you sing,” Lyssa told her. “I like to sing.”

“You do?” Madeleine looked at the girl’s father. He shrugged. “Can you sing a song for me now?”

Lyssa shook her head and wrapped her arms around Garrett’s leg again.

“Not again, little one,” he said and pried her away. He lifted her high above his head and then lowered her until she rested atop his shoulders. He began strolling back the way they’d come until they reached the shade of an old oak.

He lifted Lyssa again, placed her on the ground, then wiped his brow and sat with his back against the trunk.

“You’ve worn me out, child.” He motioned for Madeleine to sit.

It took her a moment to kneel and she took special care to arrange her leg.

He then winked at Madeleine. “Oh, I’m so tired. Maybe you could sing us a song, Madeleine?”

As Lyssa watched her eagerly, Madeleine saw him shake his head slightly. “No, my lord, I’m sorry. I cannot sing unless I have my lute with me.” She paused, meeting his eyes. “I wish I could sing without it but I can’t.”

“I can sing without a lute,” Lyssa said quietly. “I sing to my dolls every night before I go to sleep.”

“Then would you please sing for us, Lyssa?” Madeleine asked.

The child began. She started slowly, a bit hesitant, but she grew in confidence as she continued.

It was obviously a song the girl had made up but she had perfect pitch. They both clapped loudly when she finished.

Her father hugged her. “I did not know I had such a talented daughter. You are very good, Lyssa.”

She beamed at his words of praise.

Evan suddenly appeared and jumped into Madeleine’s lap. Jealously, Lyssa climbed beside him. Evan pushed her aside but Lyssa was determined. She returned to her spot and held on to Madeleine tightly, despite Evan’s nudges.

“Quit shoving,” Madeleine ordered Evan. “I’ll not share a story otherwise.” Both settled down and listened quietly as she told a tale from the Arabian Nights.

When she finished, Evan jumped up, tired of being still for so long. “Can you play with me?” he asked Lyssa.

She turned to her father, who nodded. The children ran off, holding hands.

“It seems Evan’s found a playmate,” Madeleine said. “I’m glad. He’s been lonely with no children his age in the troupe.”

“I’m amazed Lyssa went. She’s said more in the last hour than she has in the last year, Madeleine. You’ve woven a magic spell about her.”

Madeleine laughed. “No, it’s nothing I did, my lord.”

“It was,” he insisted earnestly. “I had no idea she sang so well. I’ve never heard her sing before.”

“You should encourage her. If she’s shy, it’s a good way for her to learn to open up.”

“Would you give her lessons?”

“Why me?”

“She’s relaxed around you. Maybe she could learn something of the lute, too. I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen today.” He took her hand in his and pressed it gently. “She likes you, Madeleine, and she’s been through . . . a difficult time.”

“But do you trust me, Lord Montayne? I lied about who I was. You believe I stole your cloak. Don’t forget, you also think me a jewel thief.” She smirked a bit as she said the last remark.

“I do trust you, Madeleine.” There was no hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Will you help Lyssa?” He looked at her eagerly. “I’d pay you, of course.”

Madeleine hesitated briefly but the thought of making the enchanting girl—and her father—happy helped her decide. It also wouldn’t hurt to have some additional coins for her trip to France.

“Yes, I’d be delighted to work with your daughter, my lord.”

Lord Montayne helped her to her feet and they both brushed off the bits of grass that clung to them.

Neither saw Royce as they passed by the group of men working to create the fences that would hold in the horses.

“Married, Madeleine?” he said under his breath. “And yet you dally with his lordship. We shall see about that.” He drove the nail through the wood in one angry blow.

Chapter Twelve

Ashby noticed how unusually quiet Garrett was throughout dinner. He had grown to be a taciturn man in the time since Lynnette had left but the silence tonight was overbearing. He wondered what Garrett was contemplating, for beneath the silence